Zumba with the Bobcats

By Jessika Morgan / Staff Writer

Published: Friday, March 22, 2013 at 09:05 PM.

Parson was originally a college instructor and describes herself as “obese” before joining the Zumba community. She was enrolled in a hip-hop aerobics class, was introduced to Zumba and became addicted.

“It was so different because it involved international rhythms,” she said. “The music was so colorful.”

She decided to open her class at Sasparilla’s, a former night club, to bring a different vibe to the workouts.

“My class is more so designed for people who normally wouldn’t enter a gym,” Parson. “We attract a different type of crowd. I’m very honored (that people come to my class), but it’s really not about me. It’s about the atmosphere of all my participants.”

She said her class, sometimes called the “Sassy Crew,” has been boosted in self-esteem, weight loss and overall excitement. And today, while sporting their “Zumba green” tops and black bottoms, they can do it in front of a crowd of thousands.

“Not many people can say they performed at a halftime show,” Parson said. “I think it’s going to change their life.

Tekeema Parson said her Zumba class is known across Eastern North Carolina because of its unique style and wildly energetic students. They’ll be demonstrating their energy tonight by dancing in the Charlotte Bobcats’ Zumba Night event tonight at Time Warner Cable Arena.

A group of 13 went last year to perform Latin-inspired fitness routines during halftime, but that number has quickly boomed to 70 — including family coming along to watch — this time around.

“It’s a huge night for Zumba in Charlotte,” said Parson, who began instructing last year. “It’s a good night to bring our families so they can see what takes up so much of our time.”

Students travel from as far as Chapel Hill to take her hour-long class, which she hosts six times a week at Sasparilla’s in Kinston.

Parson’s business partner, Erica Dixon, was selected to choreograph the dance routine for some 200 Zumba participants to perform during tonight’s halftime show. Twenty-six participants from the Kinston class will perform.

The group leaves at 8:30 a.m. today via charter bus to travel to the 7 p.m. game against the Detroit Pistons. They practiced every day after class for this shining moment, which Parson hopes will encourage them to maintain workout regime.

“I think that these types of experiences make my students embrace more of a fitness lifestyle,” Parson said. “I think that the ladies are going to me more committed than ever to continue their fitness journey.”

Parson was originally a college instructor and describes herself as “obese” before joining the Zumba community. She was enrolled in a hip-hop aerobics class, was introduced to Zumba and became addicted.

“It was so different because it involved international rhythms,” she said. “The music was so colorful.”

She decided to open her class at Sasparilla’s, a former night club, to bring a different vibe to the workouts.

“My class is more so designed for people who normally wouldn’t enter a gym,” Parson. “We attract a different type of crowd. I’m very honored (that people come to my class), but it’s really not about me. It’s about the atmosphere of all my participants.”

She said her class, sometimes called the “Sassy Crew,” has been boosted in self-esteem, weight loss and overall excitement. And today, while sporting their “Zumba green” tops and black bottoms, they can do it in front of a crowd of thousands.

“Not many people can say they performed at a halftime show,” Parson said. “I think it’s going to change their life.

“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Jessika Morgan can be reached at 252-559-1078 or jessika.morgan@kinston.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessikaMorgan.